Question by Lakely: Should the Prodigal Son stop off at the new covenant church to learn of the requirements for salvation?
The Prodigal Son is on his way home and will soon be greeted with his Heavenly Father’s open arms.

As he traveled the last few miles, he passed by a New Covenant Chruch. Should he stop in there to learn about the requirements for forgiveness?

This puzzle was inspired by the online resource…. http://gospelenigma.com

Seminary student from Slovakia visiting Modesto to learn about U.S. churches
Jozef Višnovský, a 27-year-old seminary student from Slovakia, has been checking out church life in the United States for the past three months. He’s attended services, Bible studies, staff meetings, youth events, even the women’s groups and quilting meetings at Calvary Lutheran Church in Modesto.Read more on Modesto Bee

Church Corner
Calvary ChurchBy Wanda “LuLu” Harris“Oh, What a Savior, oh hallelujah, his heart was broken on Calvary. His hands were nailed scarred, his side was riven, he gave his life’s blood for even me.” read moreRead more on The Log Cabin Democrat

Today, The Heofon Group announced that it has been chosen as the marketing and public relations agency for the 150th Session of the Missouri A.M.E. Church Conference. The conference, taking place in St. Louis on November 1-7, 2004, will be a time of reflection and revitalization for the over 2,000 pastors and church leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 5th District, which spans from Missouri to California and includes Alaska.

With a worldwide congregation of over 3 million, many African Methodist Episcopal church “leaders are in the midst of working out ways to rejuvenate and redefine African Methodist Episcopalianism as the church moves into the 21st century. Many ministers are currently concerned with the potential for members to dissociate themselves from their congregations as American society enters a period of ‘post-denominationalism'” (Washington Post). “The main courses of action decided upon thus far have been to dedicate much attention to the clarification of church doctrines and practices, and to actively seek to preserve the church’s rich history and traditions.” (University of Virginia Library).

Duane Hodge, founder of The Heofon Group, explains: “The A.M.E. Church’s legacy of love and tradition of transformation continue to impact the hearts and minds of our community. My firm will be responsible for developing the Conference’s marketing strategy from its marketing collateral to advertising. In addition, we will also handle the design of the event’s official souvenir magazine, as well as ad sales. We are extremely honored to have been asked to participate in such a spiritual and historic event.”

The Heofon Group has found that a common pitfall when marketing a ministry is using an advertising avenue that is already saturated with over-the-top advertisements for church conferences, books, tapes, plays, cruises and the like. Additionally, churches risk having their message cheapened by the use of dubious branding tactics. Respecting the difference between branding and identity development is fundamental in any faith-based marketing or outreach campaign. In fact, as reported on CNN’s “In The Money” in March 2004, current research shows that, on average, the word “church” conjures up negative feelings. Subsequently, many churches have begun mainstream advertising campaigns to recruit those who have been hurt or felt unwelcomed by churches in the past. The Heofon Group will use its expertise in faith-based marketing and public relations to make the message of the AME Church and this historic conference unique.

The Heofon Group is a strategic marketing and public relations firm for the faith-based and non-profit community. With offices in Houston, TX and New York it serves an increasing roster of domestic and international clients.

To find out more about The 150th Session of the Missouri Annual Conference or The Heofon Group, please contact Duane Hodge, Managing Director, at 713-983-8260 or duane.hodge@heofon.com. You may also visit www.heofon.com.

All throughout the Old Testament are various prophecies detailing the coming of the Messiah. The biblical text are numerous and telling of the life of the Lord. Fast forward through time centuries later and you will come to the birth of Jesus Christ. Many have tried unsuccessfully to try and discredit not only Jesus as being the Son Of God but also his very existence. By using the scriptures themselves in addition to archeology and other historical records aside of the bible, it is easy to disprove the doubters. Such scriptures as 1 Timothy Chapter 3 Verse 16 clearly state this:

Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

With the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ in around 33 A.D., Christianity was then born. The exact location of when followers of Jesus Christ started calling themselves Christians is recorded in the book of Acts Chapter 11 Verse 26:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

One future prophecy mentioned in the book of Matthew is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be preached in the whole world, to all nations and then the end would come. With all of the satellite technology that available, we are very close to all nations hearing the Gospel. This belief in Jesus Christ has withstood the test of time and its influence is everywhere.

Many people often assume that other religions with a form of Christianity are indeed Christian. This is completely false. Other religions such as Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholics, Mormons and Jehovah Witness to name a few, are not the same as biblically based Christianity. Despite what the Pope of Rome has said about churches outside of the Roman Catholic system not being church’s in its proper sense. Having knowledge of what the bible actually says is the best way to determine which are Christian and which ones are not.

The only problem for those outside of what the bible says and teaches is that the bible itself is the measuring stick of the faith. So if those religions aren’t using the bible as a gauge of belief, then they must be using a man made system. You have to understand that for a Christian, the bible is the THE word of God. Several verses exemplify this but none quite as plain as 2 Timothy Chapter 3 Verse 16 and 17:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

When you view the life of a Christian from the standpoint of biblical doctrine, there shouldn’t be any confusion as to the way believers are to live. Sadly after nearly two millennium of Christianity underway, much of the world is still completely ignorant as to what Christians adhere to. The only way to know for sure is studying the bible and prayer.